Mongooses are small carnivorous mammals known for their agility and ability to hunt venomous snakes. Synonyms for mongooses can include meerkats, suricates, and mongoose-like animals such as civets and genets. The word "mongeese" is also occasionally used as a plural form of mongoose. Other descriptors for mongooses might include "snake hunters," "burrow dwellers," or simply "small predators." Though often associated with Africa and India, mongooses can be found in a variety of habitats spanning multiple continents. Some species, such as the black mongoose and the yellow mongoose, are highly adaptable and have been able to thrive in areas heavily impacted by human development.